Proposing a warmer immigration policy

Micah J. Marrapodi

Arts & Entertainment Editor

There is nothing more disheartening than waiting for somebody — anybody — to say what you think. The immigration situation in the United States of America has deteriorated, especially in light of the recent, fatal clashes between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and US citizens including Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti.

I have sat idly by, watching and patiently waiting to hear someone voice a reasonable position. I hear certain voices advocating universally removing undocumented individuals, and I hear certain voices advocating a hands-off approach. Videos of masked federal officers accosting and attacking other people — who, by all appearances, posed no threat to anyone — flood our algorithms. There is another way forward. People needn’t live in fear. They needn’t live in the shadows. I have a proposal that will result in a warmer immigration policy.

The following includes what I believe to be a just and humane replacement for the current immigration approach; one that will be popular, practical and appropriate. My proposal is threefold.

First, for those who are in the United States undocumented, there must be a clear, accessible path to becoming documented — a way in, not just a way out. These are people, just like you, just like me. They are already here, often already working and already part of our communities. A path to citizenship must be paved, but not for everyone, which brings me to my second point.

Second, that grace does not extend without limit: those who commit serious crimes, sexual assault or murder, for instance, forfeit any chance at citizenship and should face immediate removal from the country. I have no qualms sending violent criminals to detention centers — none whatsoever. That said, I detest undue suffering, which brings me to my third and final point.

Third, and most critically, the enforcement mechanism must change. Replace ICE’s masked, militarized raids with a social worker-led model — trained professionals who build relationships with immigrant communities, connect people to resources and yes, follow up on compliance.

Communities that trust authorities are more likely to report crimes, cooperate with neighbors and engage with legal systems. According to the UC San Diego U.S. Immigration Policy Center, when local law enforcement cooperates with ICE on immigration enforcement, undocumented immigrants are significantly less likely to report crimes to police — making communities less safe for everyone. The social worker model would facilitate a sense of collaboration and community rather than causing distrust and fear, as the ICE model does.

There is an obvious rebuttal. Social workers cannot possibly handle violent, undocumented individuals. Fortunately, while that is correct, the US has a Federal Bureau of Investigation, a Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals and countless state and local law enforcement agencies equipped to handle violent criminal offenders.

Among the undocumented community, there is a meaningful distinction between those who are hardworking, decent folk and those who mean to do others harm. There is no need for masked federal officers to harass the former, and there is no need for social workers to be sent to confront the latter.

Some might say my proposal is too abstract or that the status quo is the best the US can accomplish. To that I say: we went to the Moon because it was hard, not in spite of it — surely we can do the same for immigration.

Immigration is not abstract to me. I am of Italian extraction — specifically from the Mezzogiorno or Southern Italy, an overlooked candidate for Global South membership — and thus I have an affinity for individuals, particularly of Latinate speech, who leave their countries of origin to join the US. Additionally, my partner grew up in Mexico and still has family there; visiting them gave me a firsthand perspective on immigration and cross-border connections. 

Personal investment alone doesn’t make a policy workable — evidence and practicality are equally essential. I have brought all three to the table.

Our fellow humans need help. We can do better. I’m tired of pretending we can’t.